Celebrating Two Decades of Barnabas

The Barnabas day opportunities service for adults with disabilities in Dorset, located on Manor Avenue in Poole, will be celebrating its 20th birthday this Friday (5 September) with a fun filled day for all in attendance.

The jam packed day will include quizzes and games, a giant feast and a disco where all families of those the charity support are invited to attend along with some mystery guests who will be joining them for the day as special guests.

Barnabas is one of several services offered by Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, for children and adults. The service is open five days a week and offers a lively and sociable hub for adults to access a range of opportunities, make new friends and learn new skills, plus are able to go out and about into the community. The aim of the service is to enable those living with a disability to get the most out of life, by undertaking a range of activities throughout the day.

At present 54 adults attend the service and their needs vary in complexity with individuals requiring complex 1:1 assistant and some with less demanding requirements but that are in need of a structured daily routine filled with opportunities. The service aims to provide disabled adults in Dorset with the best possible life and to make them smile.

Chelsey Mills, Deputy Head of Barnabas, said: “We are very excited about Friday as it is a landmark achievement for the charity, which has grown from strength to strength. Barnabas is a lively place where people can make new friends, gain new skills and enjoy a wide range of activities such as cookery, arts and crafts, wood work, swimming and even sailing. The service is filled to the brim making it a really wonderful place to work. It is very rewarding to see so many happy faces every day, and witnessing first hand just how much the work done here at Barnabas really impacts the lives of those using the service.”

As a service run by a charity, Diverse Abilities Plus, it is always interested in hearing from those that would like to get involved and volunteer. Volunteering can take many shapes and forms – ranging from those who would like to donate their time by running activities, or donating any unwanted items which may be of use to us. We also appeal to corporate companies who would like to get involved by sending a team of staff to undertake projects at the centre – this may include constructing furniture, repainting walls and gardening for example.